Here’s what the EU’s new air passenger rights deal means for you

Economy European UnionTop NewsTourismtravel Here’s what the EU’s new air passenger rights deal means for you Eu Agrees Deal On Free Family Seats, Faster Pay Outs For Air Passengers Relevant News Here’s what the EU’s new air passenger rights deal means for you 17 June 2026 21-year-old Israeli held for court after Ayia Napa knife attack 17 June 2026 Larnaca local authority launches WhatsApp alert system for extreme weather 17 June 2026 Ernestos Mousas 17 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a deal last Monday to strengthen air passenger rights across Europe, agreeing free adjacent seating for children, families and passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, alongside faster compensation procedures and greater transparency on ticket pricing. What changes for passengers Free adjacent seats for children under 14 and their accompanying adult, with the same right extended to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and to pregnant women Retention of the existing right to compensation for delays of three hours or more Greater transparency in airline ticket pricing Compensation will be set at: 250 euros for flights of up to 1,500 km 400 euros for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km 600 euros for flights over 3,500 km The new rules also provide for faster compensation procedures and an obligation on airlines to provide care for passengers during long delays. The agreement is considered particularly significant for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, having been a difficult file that no previous presidency had managed to either tackle or resolve, after 13 years of negotiations between Parliament and the Council. The European People’s Party led the negotiating effort on behalf of the European Parliament. DISY and EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas told Phileleftheros the agreement, reached after 13 years of negotiations with the Council, was “a historic victory for European citizens.” He said that with the EPP leading Parliament’s negotiating team, they secured significant improvements strengthening protection for passengers, and families in particular, including Parliament’s push to preserve compensation rights for delays of three hours or more, secure a free seat next to parents for children under 14, and strengthen the rights of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility. Fourlas added that although not all of Parliament’s demands were met, the agreement represents a historic step and the best possible compromise between the two institutions for millions of passengers across Europe. He said he was “especially proud” of the EPP, which he said had once again stepped up to assert European citizens’ rights with determination. Among the most significant changes is the guaranteed right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, free of charge, while airlines, intermediaries and booking platforms will be required to display the final ticket price from the outset. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News 21-year-old Israeli held for court after Ayia Napa knife attack Larnaca local authority launches WhatsApp alert system for extreme weather Cyprus House approves committee composition and elects ethics panel members Norway’s crown princess undergoes successful lung transplant, palace says Police arrest Israeli man for attempted murder after Ayia Napa nightclub brawl Varnava surprised over references to his name in anti-corruption report on Mafia State book British father, 34, dies suddenly on Cyprus holiday Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.